21 Facts About Alice Haldeman

Sarah Alice Haldeman was an American craftswoman, banker and philanthropist.

Alice Haldeman was the sister of social activist Jane Addams and mother of Marcet Haldeman-Julius.

Alice Haldeman was the daughter of John Huy and Sarah Addams.

Alice Haldeman's father was a successful miller and banker in northern Illinois, serving as state senator from 1856 to 1872.

Alice Haldeman greatly influenced the policy of the state during the Civil War, to which, as his grandfather, Isaac Addams, had done in the Revolutionary War, he equipped and sent a company.

Alice Haldeman received her early education in Cedarville, where an academy under the direction of Jennie Forbes had been established by several of the more progressive families.

From this school, Haldeman went to Rockford Seminary at Rockford, Illinois, then designated as the Mount Holyoke of the West, and completed the course there at the age of nineteen.

For several years, Henry practiced medicine in Iowa and later when he spent a year in graduate medical work in Philadelphia, Alice Haldeman took a course at the Woman's Medical College of that city.

Alice Haldeman was thus fitted to co-operate with her husband in his medical practice, becoming his anesthetist, helping him in operations and acquiring a wide range of knowledge.

Alice Haldeman soon became a vital force in the educational and philanthropic movements of Girard and Kansas.

Alice Haldeman's interest was particularly with young people, and her first organized work for the community was a large and successful boys' club.

Alice Haldeman was elected president of the Girard Board of Education in 1895 and during her ten years in office had a wide acquaintance among the children of the schools and an intimate knowledge of their needs.

Alice Haldeman identified herself with the Presbyterian Church, leaving the impress of her strong personality upon its varied activities and for 28 years was treasurer of its board of trustees.

Alice Haldeman found in club life an avenue of constant usefulness, both for study and friendships.

Alice Haldeman early appreciated the value of women's clubs and magnified it.

Alice Haldeman was a member of the Ladies' Reading Club of Girard for more than twenty years, of the City Federation and State Federation of Women's Clubs.

Alice Haldeman loved to exercise hospitality and shared with her friends what she herself enjoyed.

Alice Haldeman's hands were seldom idle, and the homes of many of her friends had examples of her painting, basketry, and needlework.

In 1905, at the death of her husband, whose business responsibilities she had long shared, Alice Haldeman became actively interested in local banking.

Alice Haldeman was elected its president, an office which no other woman in Kansas had previously held, and served in that capacity until her death.

Alice Haldeman directed the bank for more than ten years and scientifically managed a large stock farm in Illinois, which she owned and operated for thirty years.